A high-level international symposium is being held in Rabat on the theme “Justice and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks,” featuring over 40 representatives from approximately 20 countries.
Initiated by the Court of Cassation of Morocco, in partnership with the Association of Supreme Courts of Cassation of French-speaking Countries (AHJUCAF), the event, which opened on Wednesday, is part of the Association’s annual program implementation.
The opening of the two-day symposium was presided over by Mohamed Abdennabaoui, First President of the Court of Cassation, Delegate President of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), and President of AHJUCAF. Also in attendance were Hicham Balaoui, the King’s Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation and Head of the Public Prosecution, as well as representatives from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Abdennabaoui emphasised the necessity for the judicial
institution to adapt to contemporary technological shifts. He stated that AI has become an unavoidable reality, driving a profound structural transformation that offers promising prospects for optimising court efficiency, accelerating case processing, and facilitating legal research.
While acknowledging the significant advancements these digital tools provide in streamlining access to information and anticipating the evolution of litigation, the judicial official stressed that the justice system cannot remain a mere spectator to the digital revolution.
According to him, the judiciary must actively engage in this comprehensive transformation while preserving the fundamentally human nature of the judicial function.
In light of the potential abuses and ethical challenges posed by the use of algorithmic technologies in the legal field, Mohamed Abdennabaoui has called for rigorous and proactive legislative intervention.
He also advocated for the adoption of tailored laws and regulations, alongside the establishment of a strict code of conduct that sets out fundamental principles for magistrates and all professionals within the sector.
This approach aims to regulate the use of such tools, prevent legal uncertainty, and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
He emphasised the urgent need to adopt ethical guidelines and robust professional codes of conduct, noting that artificial intelligence is not a passing trend but a major technological shift –
one from which no country or sector can remain isolated in the long term without risking marginalization from development.
The symposium, which brings together over 40 presidents and representatives of high courts, as well as legal and technical experts from Africa, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, seeks to highlight the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence applications in the judicial sphere. It also examines the associated challenges and the legal and regulatory frameworks required to support these rapid digital transformations.
The symposium’s scientific program – featuring a wide array of experts from diverse backgrounds – included presentations on practical experiences with the digitization of judicial procedures, as well as sessions dedicated to the ethical, legal, and technical dimensions of using artificial intelligence within the legal professions.
Participants are also set to address the ethical and responsible use of AI in the service of justice and in facilitating access to the courts.
AK/fss/as/APA